BPA responds to government’s annual UK Port trade statistics

The British Ports Association, representing the national port sector, has responded to the publication of the Department for Transport’s 2024 Port Freight Statistics.

The BPA acknowledges ongoing shifts in cargo patterns while emphasizing the growth potential for the UK ports industry.

The headline figure shows a slight decline in total freight tonnages, down by 1% from 2023 to 429.7 million tonnes. However, the BPA stresses that these figures do not capture the full range of activities and investments taking place within the UK ports sector.

The unitised freight market remains strong, with container traffic increasing by 2.1 million tonnes in 2024, marking the largest absolute growth of any cargo category.

This growth was primarily driven by strong demand on transatlantic routes, especially from the Americas and China. Deep-sea imports saw an 11% rise, reaching a record 22.4 million tonnes, with containerised imports from China contributing significantly to this growth.

Meanwhile, Roll-on/Roll-off traffic grew by 1%, with domestic Ro-Ro movements seeing a notable 26% increase, particularly on Great Britain–Northern Ireland routes. This likely reflects efforts to streamline post-Brexit customs processes through more direct transport links.

Despite a decline in bulk cargo volumes, especially crude oil, LNG, and coal reflecting global energy market changes and the closure of the UK’s last coal-fired power station this shift is part of a broader transformation in UK energy infrastructure and port activities.

The statistics also fail to capture the substantial growth in offshore renewable energy and record levels of cruise and tourism activities.

Commenting on the DfT’s figures, George Finch, the BPA’s Policy & Economic Analyst, stated that these figures confirm that while some traditional cargoes are consolidating, UK ports are demonstrating resilience, innovation, and investment. Ports are evolving, with hundreds of millions of pounds being invested in upgraded container handling and other facilities to meet growing demands and shifting trade patterns. Beyond freight, ports are playing a key role in the UK’s transition to a cleaner, more diversified economy.

Finch also highlighted how UK ports are diversifying operations and income streams, including:

• Offshore Wind: Ports are enhancing infrastructure to support offshore wind assembly, maintenance, and servicing, particularly in the Celtic Sea, North Sea, and East Coast, contributing to clean growth.

• Cruise: New cruise terminals are being developed to support tourism and regional regeneration, particularly in Scotland.

• Freeports and Green Freeports: Many ports are at the heart of new Freeport and Green Freeport developments, along with industrial strategy zones, investing in logistics hubs, innovation, and low-carbon manufacturing.

• Hydrogen and Green Fuels: Ports are preparing to handle new fuels like hydrogen and ammonia, aiding the decarbonisation of the maritime and industrial sectors and supporting carbon capture marine activities.

Ports today are not just gateways for goods but active hubs for clean energy, transport decarbonisation, and regional investment, Finch added.

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